Cricket: Northland back in the hunt

Kurtley Watson starred with the ball.

A marked improvement on their first day showing has seen Northland's senior cricket team bounce back at the Brian Dunning One Day Tournament at Taupo.

A bonus-point win over Waikato Valley and a corresponding Hamilton victory over Bay of Plenty, leaves Northland level with Bay of Plenty and Hamilton at the top of the table and back in the running for a Hawke Cup challenge later in the season.

Opener Brad Kneebone recorded his second successive score of 90+, scoring 96 not out to lead Northland to another competitive total of 245/5 in 50 overs. Neal Parlane played a good supporting role chipping in with 66 while the rest of the runs were shared around the top order.

After posting a good total against Bay of Plenty on Sunday and failing to back it up with the ball, the acid was on the bowlers to perform yesterday. This time they came up with the goods.

"We definitely bowled and fielded better today although to be fair, Waikato Valley aren't quite as good a team but it was a good all-round effort today and we deserved the bonus point win," coach Stephen Cunis said.

Cody Andrews caught the outside edge twice in his opening over for two dismissals behind the wicket and Waikato Valley never recovered. They were eventually all out for 187 in the 47th over with Kurtley Watson, carrying a hamstring strain, finishing with 4/43/10 and Andrews 4/27/9 to be the standout bowlers.

If Northland can turn it on again today against Poverty Bay and get a bonus point win in the final match they will be in the box seat for a Hawke Cup challenge - particularly if the Bay of Plenty don't get a bonus point in their final match.